While adjust trim tabs I lost all power to engine.

[Carldebarros]

Is there a trim module that can burn out? Or has anyone had this issue? While cruising doing a routine tab adjustment I must have burned something out. I was holding the tab for several seconds thinking it is still listing. It may have been all the way down and I was still pushing it. No indicators on this old Doral. then I lost all power to the engine. All the other power lights stereo etc work fine, but the boat will not turn over. I noticed a fuse gone from the ignition switch at the helm. I changed it but as soon as I turn the key to on the fuse burns out again. Also the trim tabs are not moving at all but I can hear the motor working. Anyone had this issue or know what the problem could be?

 

[NYBo]

Re: While adjust trim tabs I lost all power to engine.

Welcome to iboats!

Some more info will us help you. What is the year, make, and model of the powerplant?

If the trim tab circuitry is still working, the motor issue is probably unrelated. It sounds like the wiring for ignition circuit has developed a dead short somewhere.

 

[Carldebarros]

Re: While adjust trim tabs I lost all power to engine.

Thanks for the response Bob. The boat is a '87 Doral Cavalier, with a OMC Cobra drive. I have not been able to see anything visually that looks like it would cause the short circuit but I am going to try finding it with a tester. I wonder if it may be the ignition switch that has the short. I will let you know if I am successful. Thanks again.

 

[glenn property of pam]

Re: While adjust trim tabs I lost all power to engine.

find the feed to the trim relays and pull the fuse to disable the trim sytem for now as its not meant to run when you are not using it. then take a 12v light im sure if you are like me you have something old laying around like a old spot light or something then crimp 2 male spades on the ends. put the male ends in the slots for the fuse (the lamp becomes the fuse and the power that blows the fuse lights the lamp) then turn the ignition on and the light should come on bright if theres a short. then go to the engine and unplug something if the light stays on/bright plug it back in. once you find the short the light goes out or will go dim then unplug the light and try a fuse. the short may be in the trim control button feed or relays as the trim uses 2 diffrent power feeds one might be coming off the acc circuit the other will be a heavier feed with a inline fuse near the battery or starter this is the one you need to find to disable the trim unit. once you find the problem post the results. its not easy to try fixing 2 things at once on a forum so lets fix the short then we will help fix the trim unit.

 

[NYBo]

Re: While adjust trim tabs I lost all power to engine.

The boat is a '87 Doral Cavalier, with a OMC Cobra drive.

Ah, a clue! The problem could be the shift interrupter circuitry has shorted out inside the throttle control box.

 

[Carldebarros]

Re: While adjust trim tabs I lost all power to engine.

Alright with the help of my brother we found the short and fixed it. There was a wire harness from the alternator that was rubbing against the block and melted. I will be protecting these wires and checking for any other vulnerable areas. As far as the trim tabs go there is a small leak at one on the fittings. We topped up the resivoir and they work well again. Just gotta fix that fitting. Thanks for you help guys. Yes it is difficult to solve issues like this online but your insight and experience was very helpful.
Carl

 

[NYBo]

Re: While adjust trim tabs I lost all power to engine.

Thanks for letting us know how you fixed it, and congratulations on doing so!